Nathan Ake explains problem Man City will have as Kyle Walker set to leave champions

Manchester City's Nathan Ake has admitted that the potential departure of club captain Kyle Walker would be a significant blow to the team.

Pep Guardiola, the City manager, confirmed Walker's absence from the squad in their 8-0 thrashing of Salford City in the FA Cup was due to his desire to leave after an eight-year stint.

Despite having the chance to move to Bayern Munich in 2023 following City's Treble win, Walker chose to stay and contributed to the club's historic fourth consecutive league title last season. However, with Walker struggling this term, he feels it's time to move on, and Ake has highlighted the England defender's importance, both on and off the pitch.

"He obviously wasn't in the squad today and he's 100 per cent a club legend," Ake stated. "He's massive for us and has been massive for us over the years. This year as well, he's been a big character in the squad.

"He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he's been a top player for this club. He's a good guy as well and I'm very good with him. Let's see what happens, but there's no doubt he's been a massive player for us."

Ake also reflected on City's recent form, noting improvement and the need to maintain momentum ahead of their upcoming match against Brentford: "I think we're doing better. Every game we're making progress. The only thing we have to do now is keep going into Tuesday against Brentford.

"Bit by bit, every game, we'll get it back, but there's still things we can improve on. The last game as well, this game too, but the second-half was good. We can always improve."

Despite a defensively challenging season exacerbated by key injuries, Ake maintains optimism, stating: "It's been tough. Every time someone comes back, you have to play all the games because you don't have many more players.

"It's not easy, but hopefully now things are looking a bit better, people are coming back and we're getting fitter at the back as well, so that's the main thing."

With the transfer window open, Ake welcomes potential reinforcements: "Of course," he concurred. "Any incomings, the club know what they're doing. They're trying to help the team and trying to get us back to where we belong. Hopefully, if it happens, it will be good. Competition always drives everyone, for many years at this club now, so everyone is used to it."